5.11.2025

"Texas Tech Upsets Utah; Indiana Smashes Illinois"

After Week 4 of college football, the latest AP Top 25 rankings are coming up fast

As the excitement of Week 4 in college football unfolds, the anticipation for the latest AP Top 25 rankings ramps up. A dynamic array of 19 ranked teams and numerous hopefuls took to the field on Saturday, punctuated by three notable ranked matchups that prompted shifts in team standings.

One of the highlights of the day was No. 17 Texas Tech's impressive performance. The team outplayed No. 16 Utah, securing a convincing 34-10 victory on the road. Additionally, No. 11 Oklahoma triumphed over No. 22 Auburn with a closely contested 24-17 win, showcasing both teams' strengths and strategies. However, the biggest shock came from the Big Ten, where No. 19 Indiana overwhelmed No. 9 Illinois in a staggering 63-10 rout, sending ripples through the rankings.

In terms of movement within the rankings, the successful teams have made strong cases for advancement. The question looms: how far will their performances push them up the ranks?

In the 'Stock Up' category, two teams stood out prominently. Firstly, No. 17 Texas Tech's victory against No. 16 Utah was not only a road win but a statement victory, beating the Utes in every aspect of the game. They dominated throughout the contest, capitalizing on crucial moments to earn their place among the top teams. Secondly, Indiana's remarkable upset against Illinois solidified their position as a formidable contender. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza's five touchdown passes, consistent over two consecutive weeks, have marked him as a player to watch as the Hoosiers emerge from the shadows.

Conversely, the 'Stock Down' segment highlights teams that faced disappointing outcomes. Utah, after losing to Texas Tech, is expected to fall in the rankings. Their performance left much to be desired, especially after entering the contest with high expectations. Similarly, Illinois found themselves in a precarious position following their significant loss to Indiana. This defeat has raised urgent questions about their readiness to compete at a high level, which could reflect negatively in their ranking this week.

Interestingly, six AP Top 25 teams enjoyed a week off. This includes powerhouses such as No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Penn State, No. 5 Georgia, No. 10 Texas A&M, No. 12 Iowa State, and No. 14 Alabama. While these teams had the luxury of rest, the impact of their absence on the rankings remains to be seen. Typically, voters don’t penalize teams for a bye week, but the impressive performances from active teams could lead to shifts in mid-level rankings.

Overall, the developments of Saturday's games have set the stage for an exciting week ahead in college football, as teams and fans alike await the release of the new AP Top 25 rankings. With the potential for significant changes at the top and beyond, the landscape of college football continues to evolve, creating greater intrigue as the season progresses.